New Faces, Old Fears: Can the Lionesses Defend Their Euro Crown in a Time of Change?

Three years ago, the Lionesses made history. England lifted the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 trophy at Wembley, igniting a wave of pride and joy across the country. That moment still lives in the hearts of fans — the celebrations, the belief, the sense that something special had begun.

Fast forward to 2025, and the Lionesses are back — this time in Switzerland — but things feel different. There’s still excitement, yes, but also a touch of nervousness. With fresh faces filling key roles and a few injury concerns lingering, England’s title defence feels less like a march and more like a brave step into the unknown.

Gone are familiar names like Ellen White and Jill Scott, players who anchored the team with their leadership and experience. In their place are rising stars like Aggie Beever-Jones, Grace Clinton, and Michelle Agyemang — all full of promise but facing their biggest challenge yet on the international stage.

At the heart of the team’s uncertainty is the return of Lauren James. Dynamic, creative, and capable of magic with the ball at her feet, James is back from injury — but will she be ready to carry the load from the get-go? And with Mary Earps ruled out, who steps up between the posts when the pressure is at its highest?

Still, this isn’t a team starting from scratch. There’s real experience in players like Georgia Stanway, Leah Williamson, and Rachel Daly, who know what it takes to win and aren’t ready to give up that crown easily.

Head coach Sarina Wiegman summed it up best: “We’re not starting over — we’re growing. It’s a new chapter, but the goal is still the same.”

England’s opening match against France will be a test of nerves and cohesion — a chance to see how the new pieces fit and whether this next generation can live up to the standard set in 2022.

The road ahead won’t be easy. But if there’s one thing the Lionesses have always shown — from heartbreaks past to glory at Wembley — it’s heart. And as the tournament kicks off, fans across the country will be watching, hoping, and dreaming all over again.